Chapter Forty.

Duan Xinyue has made up his mind to quit being a disciple of Ziran Sect. So as he heads to White Pavilion he's just imagining Lei Qiang's reaction. Will he let him go or will he hold him back? And if he will let him go will he be sad or happy? He finds Hong Yi seated under the willow tree outside the pavilion. It's rare to see Hong Yi seated outside. Could it be that there's a guest inside? He walks towards Hong Yi to clarify what is going on.

"Where is your Master?"

"At the training ground."

"I need to speak with him. When will he be returning?"

"He won't be returning soon. He instructed me not to let anyone distract him. He seems kinda sad today."

"Then I'll come when his mood becomes better."

Duan Xinyue turns around and leaves. Normally Duan Xinyue would tease him a bit but today he was straight to the point. He's giving off the same bad mood vibes as Lei Qiang. Did they have a fight?

In the evening Lei Qiang comes back from the Training Ground. He bathes and proceeds to take his dinner quietly. Hong Yi is a little too terrified to strike a conversation but he has to so he musters the courage to speak up.

"My Lord, Duan gongzi came to see you today but you weren't there."

"Didn't you tell him where I was?"

"I did but you told me not to let anyone distract you."

"What did he say?"

"He wanted to speak with you."

"Next time he comes just tell him to tell you what he wants to say to me."

"Yes."

The following day Duan Xinyue comes again and finds Hong Yi seated under the willow tree again. This time Hong Yi tells him to say what he wanted to say the other day.

"It's nothing serious. Brother Hong,if someone wants to leave the sect does he have to follow a certain procedure?"

"You have to tell His Lordship and then he will erase your name from the Registration Book."

"Since your Master is quite busy can you tell him to erase my name from the Registration Book?"

"You're leaving the sect?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You all know about my alchemy level so I don't have to attend the lectures anymore."

"That makes sense. But will you visiting His Lordship?"

"If he wants."

As Duan Xinyue approaches the gate,a familiar voice calling out his name makes him turn around.

"Hero Duan,why are you not attending the lectures?"

"I have been a little busy but I'll come when I have time."

"Hero Duan,is something troubling you?"

"No. Why do you ask?"

"You look unwell and your aura has changed."

"I've been staying up lately so I think I will be fine after a fine rest."

"Then I'll see you. I snuck out of the lecture hall so I have to go back before Miss Du notices."

"Fine."

After that Duan Xinyue says his farewell to the sect he had been attached to for almost a year. He had not stayed for long but he felt part of his heart was at the sect but still he's way too good at goodbyes;once he willingly leaves a place he won't reminisce about it or be bedridden due to sadness.

He walks out of the sect compound like a soldier returning home after winning war. Once he reaches Qingfeng Pavilion he grabs his Music books and practices a few tunes on the zither. In the evening Lei Qiang comes back after his second day of constant martial arts training.

"My Lord the food has become cold let me warm it up for you."

"Did Young Master Duan come again?"

"Oh yeah. He said he's no longer a disciple of this sect."

"Who told him he can leave so easily?"

"I told him once you erase his name from the Registration Book then he will be free to go."

"Who told you to interfere with my affairs?" Lei Qiang asks raising his voice.

"Forgive me my Lord."

"Bring the Registration Book."

Hong Yi brings the Registration Book and peruses it quickly till he finds Duan Xinyue's name. He then hands it over to Lei Qiang while bowing. Lei Qiang stares at the page blankly without taking any action. Hong Yi pushes the ink and brush nearer to him but he still doesn't move.

After a while he picks the brush but suddenly vigorous movements on the roof make him throw the brush away. The two of them rush outside. There are two dark figures leaping from one roof to another. The Illusion Lair is probably paying him another visit. He flies to the top of the roof to chase after them. Hong Yi follows him but as they are about to jump outside the Sect's compound ,one of the dark figure sprays the Illusion powder again. This time Lei Qiang is the only one stuck in the illusion and this time the illusion is different from the one he saw before. This time he sees Duan Xinyue in his illusion.

Duan Xinyue is on the verge of leaving. The two of them are holding hands but Duan Xinyue breaks their physical contact by letting go of Lei Qiang's hand.He beams a smile at Lei Qiang as he walks away. He steps into a large water body and starts walking. He keeps sinking inch by inch as he progresses while Lei Qiang is left crying in pain and begging him not to go.

If he doesn't get rid of the illusion he might be stuck there for an hour or more. Since no one knows how to get rid of the illusion Hong Yi carries him back to White Pavilion and lays him on bed to take a rest maybe the illusion will disappear after a while. After fanning him for an hour,Lei Qiang finally wakes up from the illusion.

"I need to see Duan Xinyue."

"Right now?"

"Yes right now."